LSHC Horizons Brochure 2024 - Flipbook - Page 40
Hogan Lovells | 2024 Life Sciences and Health Care Horizons | Privacy and Cybersecurity
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Navigating the AI horizon: Safeguarding against cybersecurity challenges
The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the life
sciences industry has opened doors to a realm
of possibilities. By harnessing the capabilities of
big data and machine learning, companies can
expedite the drug discovery process, identify
treatment patterns, and even personalize health
care solutions. For instance, AI tools can analyze
vast datasets to predict drug interactions,
potential side effects, and efficacy, significantly
cutting down the time required for research
and development. This efficiency translates into
quicker access to life-changing treatments for
patients. In addition, personalized treatments,
tailored to the patient, are becoming a reality,
ushering in a new era of precision medicine and
medical devices.
Cybersecurity risks
While AI brings unprecedented benefits, it
also introduces significant cybersecurity risks.
AI systems and tools can be hacked, or can
be fed with inaccurate, misrepresentative or
maliciously designed data to manipulate the AI
tool. Cybersecurity vulnerabilities in the supply
chain can also be used to hack or manipulate
systems. The consequences of cyber incidents
can have a significant impact: not only can
they compromise data and systems, but they
can also undermine the integrity of research
findings and treatment outcomes, erode
public trust, and impede the progress of lifesaving innovations.
Chantal van Dam
Counsel
Amsterdam
Evolving legal landscape
As part of its digital strategy, the EU has a
strong focus on enhancing cyber resilience and
regulating AI. The Network and Information
Systems Directive 2 (NIS2), the EU AI Act,
and the EU Cyber Resilience Act are crucial
frameworks shaping the regulatory landscape.
From a cybersecurity perspective, the focus is
on requiring companies to take appropriate
and proportionate technical, operational,
and organizational cybersecurity measures
to manage the risks posed to the security of
network and systems, and protect them against
cyber incidents.
Building a resilient AI and cybersecurity
governance program
Prioritizing cybersecurity is key for harnessing
the benefits of AI in a secure and compliant
way. Despite the ongoing activity on AI and
cyber regulations, companies are advised to
take a proactive approach in future proofing
their AI and cybersecurity governance
program, including by considering core
elements such as:
• conducting regular cybersecurity risk
assessments and AI impact assessments to
determine potential risks and vulnerabilities
of AI systems;
• adopting and monitoring appropriate
technical and organizational measures
and controls for the safety, accuracy, and
reliability of AI systems;
• adopting and monitoring cybersecurity
policies and procedures for preventing,
handling, and notifying cybersecurity
incidents;
• creating a multi-functional AI governance
team with a strong focus on cybersecurity.
The synergy of AI and life sciences holds
immense promise, but it demands a strategic
and vigilant approach to cybersecurity. By
embracing comprehensive security measures
and adopting an adaptable yet sustainable
approach to AI and cybersecurity governance,
companies can confidently navigate the AI
horizon while ensuring the integrity of their
research, protecting data, and contributing to
the continued advancement of health
care innovations.
